Stogie Guys Free Newsletter

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As we’ve done since July 2006, each Friday we’ll post a mixed bag of quick cigar news and other items of interest. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) In what some call—perhaps erroneously—a “military coup,” this week Honduran President Manuel Zelaya (pictured at right) was removed from office and sent into exile. Zelaya had been seeking to change his country’s constitution to end presidential term limits, presumably so he could remain in power. Now he is wrangling for international support at the U.N. and in Washington with hopes to fulfill the remainder of his term. Honduras is a major exporter of premium tobacco to the U.S. and home to operations for many top-selling brands, including Punch, Rocky Patel, Camacho, Toraño, and CAO.

2) A nationwide ban took effect on Wednesday for Greece, criminalizing smoking in “public” places like restaurants and bars. Forty percent of the country’s 11.2 million inhabitants smoke—the highest concentration in all of Europe. While lawmakers previously tried to ban smoking in hospitals and offices, those regulations were ignored.

3) Inside the Industry: If you haven’t already, you should read our report from Famous Smoke Shop’s Cigar Expo event. It includes exclusive info on new releases from half a dozen of the biggest names in the cigar business.

Kudos to the Honduran military for preventing an illegal usurping of their country's Constitution. President Zelaya was bent on becoming "President-for-Life" and we all know where that leads. You need look no further than the fact that he is being support in word and deed by savage dictator Fidel Castro and Venezuelan strongman thug Hugo Chavez. The fact that our own President Obama agrees with Castro and Chavez? Draw your own conclusions…